Wickert is currently experiencing a boom in the demand for special powder presses used in the production of vacuum insulation panels (VIP). It has been spurred by the increased demand in insulation materials for shipping boxes used to transport COVID-19 vaccines. They can be refrigeratedly transported by the compact insulating material. That’s why they are fit for air freight.
Wickert expects increased climate protection and the rise in energy-efficient modernization of old buildings to contribute to the growing demand for equipment used in the production of panels.
Space-efficient material
The insulating material saves a large amount of space. It is produced in the form of boards with a thermal conductivity of merely 0.004 watts per meter and kelvin. Mineral wool requires five times as much space for the same insulating effect, and expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) requires ten times as much. Specifically, VIP is used in transport containers and trucks in refrigeration logistics and many others.
Press-production since 2010
Wickert developed the first units as customized machines in 2010. They are usually installed as a coordinated press system and include matching peripherals. For the most part, Wickert supplies its customers turnkey production lines, which include peripherals and the matching custom molds. Here, the company acts as a general contractor, integrating all the required components and delivering the turnkey system.
The company’s powder presses are modular in nature. To produce vacuum insulation panels, they are dimensioned for a specific panel size, usually for standard sizes from 1,200 x 1,000 mm to 2,000 x 2,000 mm.
Technical details
The vacuum insulation panels are composed of a metalized plastic shell which predominantly contains a silica powder with a microporous structure derived from sand. In a first step, the addition of various additives reduces the thermal conductivity of the material. Gas molecules are then extracted from the starting material under pressure and simultaneous evacuation. During this process, the loose powder is transformed into a pressed, dimensionally stable core.
It’s important that the dispersed silica is distributed gently and homogeneously throughout the press. Any dust and dirt particles are extracted as they are formed. Accurate positioning and uniform pressure build-up at the press plunger ensure that the material is thus pressed precisely with a homogeneous density across the entire panel. Therefore, Wickert presses are able to produce vacuum insulation panels with an insulating effect over the entire surface.
Overall, an automated production cycle with a Wickert special powder press takes around 2 to 6 minutes. The exact duration depends on the panel thickness. Once pressed, a cover of high-density metalized plastic composite film ensures an internal vacuum is maintained. Hence, no gases or water vapors can penetrate.
